The Lewis formula for phosphine,PH₃,has A)four lone pairs. B)four bonding pairs. C)two bonding pairs and two lone pairs. D)three bonding pairs and one lone pair. E)one bonding pair and three lone pairs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the Lewis formula for phosphine, PH₃, P represents phosphorus, H represents hydrogen, and the numbers represent the valence electrons of each atom. To determine the number of bonding pairs, we divide the total number of valence electrons by 8 (the number of electrons needed for a full outer shell). P: 5 valence electrons H: 1 valence electron x 3 = 3 valence electrons Total = 8 valence electrons Thus, there are only 3 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair of electrons. So, the correct option is D.

The Lewis Formula for Phosphine,PH3,has

The Lewis Formula for Phosphine,PH₃,has